Visit Chicago Southland (a non-profit organization) is seeking an individual to promote and sell the Chicago Southland Region (Chicago's South/Southwest Suburbs) as a destination for meetings. Key Responsibilities Achieve established sales and marketing goals by cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with clients, industry partners, and key stakeholders. Manage and maintain the sales CRM by tracking client accounts, conducting annual account reviews, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring accurate and timely account activity. Build and sustain relationships with existing and prospective clients through proactive follow-up and regular communication, while promoting the Chicago Southland as a premier meetings and group travel destination. Generate new business through strategic prospecting, including telephone outreach, email campaigns, virtual engagement, and in-person sales calls targeting association, corporate, nonprofit, fraternal, and social markets. Plan and support cooperative sales initiatives, including familiarization tours, sales missions, trade shows, receptions, and other promotional events designed to increase destination awareness and business opportunities. Represent the organization at local, regional, and national trade shows, networking events, and industry functions to identify qualified leads and expand market presence. Collaborate with internal teams, CVB members, and community partners to deliver exceptional customer service and promote a culture of teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the President/CEO in support of the organization's strategic objectives.

Requirements:

Qualifications & Requirements Prior experience with a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), or hospitality-related organization is preferred. Proven prospecting, relationship-building, and communication skills with the ability to identify, develop, and close new business opportunities. Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the confidence to effectively engage individuals and groups in client meetings, trade shows, and other professional settings. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications; experience with Simpleview or other customer relationship management (CRM) platforms is preferred. Ability and willingness to travel for industry trade shows, networking events, client meetings, and sales missions. Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Self-motivated, results-driven professional with a high level of integrity, creativity, initiative, and a customer-focused approach. Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships, maintain a positive professional reputation, and contribute to a team-oriented culture. Experience in the hospitality industry, particularly in meetings, tour and travel (group tour operators), or the sports industry, with a proven track record in sales and/or customer service strongly preferred. Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Communications, Hospitality, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered. Professional development, industry certifications, and active involvement in hospitality or tourism associations are highly desirable.

Pay:

$60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person